Farewell Reception Honors Keith Seiwell Founder of the General Spaatz National U.S. Army Air Force Museum

Left: Chris Boswell introduces and greets (Center) Colonel Keith Seiwell USMC (retired), founder of the General Carl Spaatz National U.S. Army Air Force Museum at the Colonel's farewell reception.

Photographs from the reception offered by Nadia Zinno.

by Jane Stahl

Volunteers and supporters of Boyertown's  General Carl Spaatz National U.S. Army Air Force Museum gathered to bid farewell to founder Colonel Keith Seiwell USMC (retired) who was inspired to honor General Spaatz, one of Eisenhower’s most important generals in defeating Germany in World War II, and to educate the public about Spaatz's legacy. 

Colonel Seiwell spent the last nine years, since 2017, bringing the unique interactive Museum into existence that features talking pictures, the diorama of an English airfield, the simulation flight over German territory, the challenging attempts to escape from the Nazis, and a dramatic Hall of Heroes.

The Colonel thanked his devoted wife Kelly for "lending him" to the Museum and, in leaving, fulfills his promise to retire (again) and relocate to Florida. And, of course, he thanked the many volunteers, supporters, and the late Charles Haddad whose hard work and dedication were instrumental in bringing his vision to life. 

Volunteers and supporters spent the afternoon reminiscing about the development of the museum and Colonel Seiwell's efforts. 

Left to Right: Gretchen Lea, Colonel Seiwell, and Sylvia Landis discuss the Museum's future.

Members of Building a Better Boyertown share their memories of the Museum's development From left: Theresa Heist, president; Mark Heist; Krista Gross, Events Planner; Ellen Martignetti, Main Street Manager. 

Youth volunteers attend to bid farewell. 

Additional articles about the Colonel and the Museum can be found in previous editions of The Boyertown Area Expression. Julie Cordingly's recent article can be found here: Colonel Keith Seiwell 

A "B Inspired" podcast conversation featuring the Colonel is available on your favorite podcast platform, and a recent Studio B Art Gallery YouTube video is available in which Colonel Seiwell reflects on his military career created by Kailey Reinboth. Studio B Art Gallery YouTube videos

Photograph by Linda Bell

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